Orkney Charity Empowers Female Prisoners in Zimbabwe Through Toy Knitting Initiative

An Orkney-based charity provides support to 40 female inmates in Zimbabwe by offering them employment in knitting toy animals. GoGo Olive instructs prisoners at Mutare Remand Prison in knitting techniques, affording them the chance to earn an income during their incarceration. Julie Hagan, who hails from Westray, established the organization and markets the knitted products online and in local stores near her residence. Julie Hagan, aged 41, stated that the charity fosters stability, noting that only one of their participants has re-offended throughout GoGo Olive’s 16 years of operation. She emphasized, “We’re about empowering the women, it’s not about how much money we make at the end of the year.” Julie founded GoGo Olive in 2008 after having worked for another charity in Zimbabwe. She was frequently approached by women with handmade items, inquiring if she could sell their products back home in Orkney. Julie wished to assist but was unsure how, until she was advised to visit a women’s prison where inmates were utilizing wire as knitting needles. By November 2008, she had enlisted six prisoners to knit toy animals, which were subsequently sent to a gift shop in Westray. Julie commented, “I didn’t imagine it would grow to the size it is or that it would still be going.” She added, “Sixteen years later, we’re in our own premises with new things happening all the time, so it’s very encouraging.” Upon their release from prison, the women are offered the opportunity to continue their employment with GoGo Olive at its workshop, situated outside the prison facility. The majority of these women opt to remain employed, given the high unemployment rates in Zimbabwe and the difficulties former offenders face in securing work. Julie stated: “It’s working with the women after they have been released that we see such encouraging changes in their lives. “It’s such a privilege to see them turn their lives around and become role models in their families and communities.” Recently, the charity constructed a house of refuge intended to assist women facing challenging circumstances. Women may reside there for a maximum of two months while they seek alternative accommodation. Julie’s sister, Ruth Green, 45, is also employed by the charity. The organization’s name honors their grandmother, Olive, with “GoGo” translating to “granny” in Shona, one of Zimbabwe’s languages. Ruth commented: “They’re not criminals. The most common crime is stealing. Julie and I deliberately said let’s not find out what they’re in for because then you do judge.” The workshop operates from Monday to Friday, allowing the women to attend daily. Ruth added, “A lot of them say having that space is therapy because they’re chatting through stuff and helping each other.” Inmates engaged in toy production receive the same remuneration as those working outside the prison. Direct payment within the prison is not feasible; however, an individual account is maintained for each woman, providing them with choices regarding the use of their earnings. All fundraising efforts for the charity are conducted in Orkney, which enables continuous support for the project throughout the year. Julie noted Orkney’s significant generosity in fundraising. She expressed: “I wish everyone could come and meet the and hear from them about the impact it has.” She continued, “I get the privilege to go out and spend time with the women, but I feel very lucky to do this job.”